Nigella Lawson feared she "didn't deserve" her new role under the TV spotlight.
The 66-year-old cook and food writer, who has taken a seat as judge on The Great British Bake Off alongside Paul Hollywood, confessed she felt nervous about filling the shoes of her predecessors, Dame Prue Leith and Dame Mary Berry.
Both women have been celebrated figures on the show, known for their warmth and decades of baking expertise.
Nigella Lawson was "worried" about becoming the new Bake Off judge
Ms Lawson said: "It would have been odd if I hadn't been a bit nervous before I started. It's a big deal.
"I actually did worry that I didn't deserve the honour of being a judge, so Paul and I met up, and we chatted.
"I love baking, although I'm a bit more ramshackle than Paul.
"But he made me feel that, yes, I can do it.
"So I did.
"I just wanted to make sure, because I was following two very eminent ladies – Prue Leith and Mary Berry."
Despite her nerves, Ms Lawson said she quickly felt comfortable in the iconic Bake Off tent thanks to Mr Hollywood, hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding, and the wider team.
She said: "I felt at home in about two minutes flat.
"It was wonderful; an incredible experience.
"Walking into the tent is quite moving.
"I loved it.
"They all made my arrival in the tent as easy as possible.
"Alison and Noel are just so lovely to work with as well.
"It sounds so cheesy to say it feels like a family, but it does.
"And it isn't just these guys; it's the crew as well.
"It really is a lovely atmosphere."
Mr Hollywood praised Ms Lawson’s contribution to the show and her ability to connect with viewers through her descriptions.
He said: "Nigella has such a wonderful way with words, and she's very good at explaining to the people watching what the bake tastes like.
"She was brilliant."
While he admitted the pair disagreed on occasion, mainly about flavours, he said their "fundamentals were the same."
He said: "I just think she fits in beautifully."
Mr Hollywood also joked about Ms Lawson’s popularity.
He said: "Yes – me and about half the male population.
"I've never had so many calls from friends to come to the tent to watch Bake Off.
"I've been doing it for 17 years, and I've had so many calls in the last six months from friends I haven't heard from for years!"
When does the new series of the Great British Bake Off start?
The new series returns on Tuesday, September 22 at 8pm on Channel 4, with 12 fresh bakers entering the tent in hopes of impressing the judges with their creations.
Among this year’s contestants is Clara, a marketing graduate devoted to her pet pygmy hedgehog.
NHS worker Connie has earned the nickname "the Cake Lady," while Danni combines her love of video games with baking.
Get all of the latest news and updates about the 2026 series of the Great British Bake Off here.
Gabe, known as the "Daddy of Birmingham drag," has dreamed of Bake Off fame since he first discovered the show at 13.
Gary, meanwhile, only discovered his passion for baking later in life.
Charity worker Molly honours her grandmother’s memory through her bakes, and student Moyin began baking at just five years old.
Law graduate Mo started even earlier, at the age of three.
Advertising executive Nikki uses baking as a form of therapy, while Shannon brings together her love of food and the outdoors.
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The Great British Bake Off returns on September 22 at 8pm on Channel 4.
Are you excited for the Great British Bake Off to start again? Let us know in the comments.
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